Yemeni army claims 1,540 Houthi casualties as Taiz crossing closes

Yemen's internationally recognised government is pressing its offensive against Houthi forces, reporting heavy rebel losses and closing a vital Taiz crossing.

• Army spokesman Colonel Majed Abdullah al-Nazili announced 474 airstrikes and operations killed or wounded 1,540 Houthi fighters in 24 hours, most in Taiz.
• Military media official Ammar al-Sami'i said the government closed the al-Houban crossing to Taiz city on Saturday for security reasons after a Houthi infiltration attempt.
• Presidential Leadership Council chief Rashad al-Alimi said government forces will continue operations until restoring state institutions and retaking Sanaa.
• Local sources reported army warplanes struck Sanaa for the first time since the escalation began, also targeting the presidential palace vicinity.
• Military officials reported 500 strikes in 24 hours and said forces repelled Houthi attacks, including an attempt to seize Jebel Han to besiege Taiz.